Compressor Inverter Holder Layout for Insulated Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motor-driven compressors, the use of metal spring members to push switching elements towards a heat dissipating surface can lead to short-circuiting of lead wires, while removing the spring members results in inefficient heat dissipation, particularly for three-phase switching elements arranged side by side.
Innovation Solution
A plastic holder with a first accommodating portion for the middle switching element and two second accommodating portions with tongue-shaped contact portions for the end switching elements, which are fixed to the housing with bolts, ensures even pushing of switching elements towards the heat dissipating surface without the need for spring members, reducing the risk of short-circuiting and enhancing heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metal spring members are used to push switching elements toward the heat dissipating surface, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but lead wires may short-circuit through the metal spring member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plastic holder as an intermediary component between the switching elements and the heat dissipating surface. This plastic holder transmits the pushing force from the fastening members to press the switching elements against the heat dissipating surface, while the plastic material provides electrical insulation that prevents short-circuiting of the lead wires, thus resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation efficiency and electrical insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the metal spring member mechanical system with a plastic holder-based pressing mechanism. Instead of using elastic metal springs that conduct electricity, the system uses a plastic holder that is pressed by fastening members to apply force to the switching elements. This substitution maintains the mechanical pressing function for heat dissipation while eliminating the electrical conduction problem through material substitution
2Reliability
If spring members are removed to prevent short-circuiting, then electrical insulation is improved, but switching elements are not evenly pushed toward the heat dissipating surface
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic holder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation to prevent short-circuiting, transmits mechanical pressing force from the fastening members to the switching elements, and ensures even distribution of this force across all switching elements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by maintaining both electrical insulation and effective heat dissipation pressing
3Area of stationary object
If three-phase switching elements are arranged side by side between two fastening members, then space utilization is improved, but the holder bends and switching elements cannot be evenly pushed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the holder into multiple segments or sections, each corresponding to a switching element position. These segmented structures include individual pressing portions that can independently transmit force to each switching element. This segmentation prevents the holder from bending uniformly and ensures that each switching element receives even pressing force, resolving the contradiction between compact arrangement and even force distribution
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration efficiently dissipates heat generated by the switching elements while maintaining insulation properties, eliminating the need for spring members and reducing component count, and allows for adjustable pushing force by adjusting the length of the contact portions.
Implementation Method 1
The contact portions are configured to be deformed to reduce a pushing force of the holder acting on the switching elements
Implementation Method 2
The housing includes a heat dissipating surface that is thermally coupled to the three-phase switching elements
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-driven compressor includes an inverter and a housing. The inverter includes three-phase switching elements and a holder that retains the switching elements. The holder is fixed to the housing with fastening members and is configured to push the three-phase switching elements toward a heat dissipating surface of the housing. The three-phase switching elements are arranged along a line segment that connects two of the fastening members. The holder includes a first accommodating portion that accommodates one of the three-phase switching elements that is located in the middle, and two second accommodating portions that respectively accommodate two of the three-phase switching elements that are located at opposite ends. Each of the two second accommodating portions includes a tongue-shaped contact portion that contacts the corresponding switching element. The contact portions are configured to be deformed to reduce a pushing force of the holder acting on the switching elements.